Winckelmann-Museum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Winckelmann-Museum opened in 1955 on the site of the birthplace of Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1717–1768), regarded as the founder of classical archaeology and of modern art history. Since 2000 the Winckelmann Society has run the museum; since then the site has been gradually extended with neighbouring buildings and areas. For the Winckelmann anniversaries of 2017/18, a new building was constructed that connects the older buildings and is equipped with a foyer, shop, library and lift.

The permanent exhibition on the ground floor begins with Winckelmann's violent death in Trieste in 1768 and traces his life backwards: from the cobbler's son in Stendal via Seehausen, Nöthnitz and Dresden to his work in Rome. On the second floor, the "Mäzenaten-Museum" (Patrons' Museum) shows donations from members of the Society – ancient vases and small-scale art, 18th-century prints including works by Piranesi, and works of classical modernism.

For children and families, the family museum "Unter dem Vulkan" (Under the Volcano) offers a buried Roman house to explore. In the museum park there is a large walk-in Trojan Horse, a listening theatre, a play street and a maze; since 2025 a pavilion with sculptures by Friedrich B. Henkel has complemented the grounds.

Highlights

• Biographical exhibition on Johann Joachim Winckelmann
• Patrons' Museum with ancient vases and 18th-century prints
• Family museum "Unter dem Vulkan" with a Roman house
• Walk-in Trojan Horse in the museum park
• Sculpture courtyard with talking tactile figures

Permanent exhibitions

• Winckelmann-Ausstellung – Biographical tour that, starting from the murder in Trieste in 1768, traces Winckelmann's path from Stendal to Rome and his scholarly works.
• 8000 Jahre Kunst – Das Mäzenaten-Museum – Donated collections ranging from ancient small-scale art and vases through views of Italy in the 18th century to prints of classical modernism.
• Familienmuseum „Unter dem Vulkan“ – Hands-on exhibition on everyday life in ancient Rome and the eruption of Vesuvius, with a walk-in, half-excavated Roman house.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Winckelmann-Gesellschaft e.V.

Director

Dr. Stephanie-Gerrit Bruer

Admission & discounts

The ticket includes the Winckelmann exhibition, the family museum, the Patrons' Museum, special exhibitions and the museum park. ICOM members free. School groups €2.50 per person (with a guided tour €3.50).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Lift to all three exhibition floors, rooms at ground level or with ramps. Tactile guidance system and site plan, 11 tactile objects, listening stations and an audio guide for blind visitors in the Winckelmann exhibition; in the foyer an iPad with an introduction in sign language. Certified under "Reisen für Alle" (Travel for All).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The family museum "Unter dem Vulkan" with a buried Roman house to explore, dress up in and try out, a creative workshop and puzzle fun. In the museum park a walk-in Trojan Horse, play street, maze, listening theatre and archaeologists' camp. Children's birthday parties from age 6 (€90).

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Foyer with museum shop and café corner; library of the Winckelmann Society on the upper floor.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit